To celebrate the centennial of California Statehood, the California Society of Medalists and the California Chamber of Commerce created a very popular octagonal commemorative medal, reminiscent of the gold slugs from nearly a century prior. The bronze version of the 1950 California Statehood Centennial Official Medal is listed as HK-503 in the Hibler-Kappen reference on So-Called Dollars. This example of the 1950 HK-503 medal has been graded MS63 by NGC. The obverse features a palm tree and a redwood tree and the reverse has a design similar to the 1851 Augusts Humbert $50 gold slug. The piece is a beautiful example and is not quite as dark as the photos appear. The color is a mostly deep red and brown color with vibrant electric blue toning that is focused mostly towards the edges of both sides. The overall effect is very eye appealing, particularly when the piece is under direct light. An amazing example of this popular octagonal so-called dollar.